Complete lockdown in Chennai, Tiruvallur and 2 other districts from June 19

Just days after claiming that the state government had no plans to announce another lockdown in the state, the Tamil Nadu government has declared that Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts will go under complete lockdown from June 19 to June 30. 

Grocery shops, vegetable shops, petrol bunks, and mobile markets can remain open between 6.00 am and 2.00 pm. People driving to the market in their private vehicles will be allowed to travel only within 2 kms from their house.

The blanket ban will mean that only essential services and travel for medical emergencies will be permitted in the four districts. 

Under the National Disaster Act of 2005, starting from the midnight of June 19, the lockdown will continue for 12 days until the end of this month. 

This decision comes after Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami consulted a panel of medical experts regarding the current situation in Chennai and its neighbouring districts which has seen a growing number of COVID-19 cases deaths over the last month. Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar while talking to the media last week had admitted that a lockdown will be announced if the expert panel recommends it. 

Speaking to the media the expert panel stated that they had told the state government that further restrictions were required to control the spread of the virus. 

The following will remain functional in these districts:

• Hospitals, pharmacies, will remain open, ambulances will be allowed to ply on the road.
   
• Autos, taxi cabs will be allowed only for medical emergencies.
   
• State government departments providing essential services like public health, police, etc can be allowed to function with 33% workforce.
   
• Central government departments can be allowed to function with 33% workforce. 
   
• However, any employee from the containment zone need not go to his/her office. They will have to obtain necessary permits from their department.
   
• Banks are allowed to function ONLY on June 29 and 30 with 33% workforce. ATMs will continue to be available during this lockdown.
   
• Public Distribution shops (PDS) will be allowed to remain open between 8.00 am to 2.00 pm. 
   
• But in containment zones, PDS stores cannot be opened. Ration items and the relief amount will be distributed at the doors of those living in containment areas.